Industry Resource
The Methane Zone
Updates for our Industry on Issues Associated with (Excessive) Methane Production during In Situ Remedial Actions.
Managing Risks of Excessive Methanogenesis during In Situ Remedial Actions
Microbial consumption of organic carbon or electron donors (sugars, [emulsified] vegetable oils, lecithin, various hydrogen release compounds) used in bioremediation continually results in fermentation byproducts (e.g. volatile fatty acids) and end-products such as carbon dioxide, methane and water until all the carbon is consumed.
The organic carbon source resulting in high levels of methane production is not the chlorinated contaminants, but rather the amendments used to induce anaerobic conditions required for reductive dechlorination reactions.
If not controlled, elevated methane levels represent:
- iInefficiency (as the hydrogen leaves the system)
- iiInduced vapor migration potential
- iiiPotential health & safety issues such as explosion risk (here, confined accumulation is required — high pressure is not required in the presence of an ignition source)
Accordingly, excessive methanogenesis should be avoided and/or appropriately managed during remediation through: i) proper amendment selection / dosing, ii) continuous monitoring, iii) data confirmation, and/or iv) technical or engineering responses.
Controlling Methane with Antimethanogenic Reagents (AMRs)
Proper amendment selection and technical engineered responses should begin with products designed by Provectus Environmental Products that are formulated with specific components that act to suppress the proliferation of the microbial species that produce methane, Archaea.
Provectus has researched and tested a wide range of natural materials to develop technologies that can effectively treat site contaminants while simultaneously reducing the potentially hazardous generation of methane in the treatment zone.
The Provect-CH4® patented technology incorporated into both solid phase and liquid phase amendments provides that technology. Provectus researchers realize that the presence of Archaea and subsequent production of methane cannot be completely eliminated — and that in small and controlled rates are beneficial — these materials were developed to keep Archaea at a managed population rate to allow other microbial species (chlororespiring and dehalorespiring bacteria) to flourish and provide for the destruction of site contaminants.
Why Methane Control Matters
Efficiency Loss
Excess hydrogen exits the system, reducing the effectiveness of reductive dechlorination.
Vapor Migration
Methane gas can migrate and accumulate in confined spaces, posing indoor air quality risks.
Explosion Risk
Confined methane accumulation in the presence of an ignition source creates a potential explosion hazard.
Provectus AMR Technologies
Our antimethanogenic formulations are integrated into these products:
Technical Resource
Download the full technical paper on managing risks of excessive methanogenesis during in situ remedial actions.
View PDFManagement Strategies
- Proper amendment selection & dosing
- Continuous monitoring
- Data confirmation
- Technical & engineering responses
Need Technical Guidance?
Our team can help assess methane risk and design the right antimethanogenic approach for your site.
Request Site EvaluationLearn More About Controlling Methane in Remediation
Provectus offers a suite of patented antimethanogenic technologies to keep your remediation project safe, efficient, and effective.